ital board for
both of us to pay, to take a tiny bit of a present to--to----"

"Everybody you ever knew, I'll be bound!" cried Ninian.

"I--believe I would. But of course I can't. So I'd best treat all
alike and take nothing but our glorious goods news."

"I'm going to take that myself, part of the way. At the finish I'll
let you carry the heavy burden and deliver it yourself into your
mother's hands. Now, come sit down a minute. Ephraim, put on your
own thinking cap, and if she forgets anybody you let me know. We are
going to take something to everybody, just as you'd like. Now, begin.
The mother--but she's settled, already. For her I've made a finished
picture from a sketch I have, of a little yellow-haired girl asleep
upon a piebald burro's shoulder. Ned? A train of cars. Luis, ditto.
Samson--what for Samson?"

"Would it cost too much to take them each, all the 'boys' the same
thing, and that would be a bright red necktie?"

"Cost not a bit too much and be a deal easier than thinking of separate
things for so many. Next? Aunt Sally?"

"Oh! she's no trouble. A few bits of new calico 'print' for her
patchwork would make her very happy."

They forgot nobody, not even Ferd whom Jessica so disliked; and at the
end of the list she rather timidly suggested: "Antonio."

To that, however, both her friends cried a vehement "No!" Not a cent of
their money should ever go to please such a man as the Senor Bernal.

"But, that reminds me. This Antonio himself wishes to have an interview
with you before you leave Los Angeles. I want you, though, to feel at
liberty to refuse this request if you so desire. He deserves no kindness
at your hands."

"No. Don't you go near him, captain. He's a snake and snakes are
unpleasant critters even after their fangs are drawn. Leave Antonio to
me. When I get well I'll have a little score to settle with him on my
own behalf," urged Ephraim.

"Why doesn't he come to me, himself? Instead of sending for me to him.
Then I shouldn't have to trouble you to take me."

Mr. Sharp looked at Ephraim and smiled, significantly.

"I suppose because he cannot. Else so polished a gentleman would surely
do so."

"Why cannot he? Is he ill, too?"

"Rather ill in his mind, but not in body. Simply, he isn't allowed."

"Won't the hospital folks have him?"

"Not at present."

"I believe you are teasing me. Where is Antonio?"

"At police headquarters."

"Oh! with Matron Wood?"

"Not with that go